VaraLogix's software provides the ability to package a multitier Java and .Net Web application so it can be automatically deployed in operational environments, along with needed databases, application servers and other required software. It recognizes common operating environments upon which applications run, including Web servers such as Apache and Microsoft IIS (Internet Information Server), databases such as Oracle's and IBM DB2, and application servers such as JBoss, and WebSphere.

DevOps is the emerging practice of having an organization's development and operations teams work more closely together so they can develop software more quickly and with fewer bugs. The practice is especially favored by providers of Internet services, such as Etsy, which must continually develop and release new features to their services in order to stay competitive.

VaraLogix' flagship software, VaraLogix Q, will join a number of other DevOps-friendly software programs that BMC has already acquired. In 2010, BMC purchased Phurnace, which offered software for managing enterprise Java applications. And in October 2011, BMC purchased StreamStep, which provided a way to coordinate complex release schedules through a central Web console.

BMC is planning on incorporating the VaraLogix software into a new, as-of-yet, unnamed lifecycle management software product. "We believe this new product that will be a comprehensive solution for all the problems," DevOps teams face, said Jody Hunt, BMC's lead solutions marketing manager for DevOps. He noted that BMC now has software for process management, deployment automation and configuration management.

VaraLogix' software has been used by Apple, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Oracle and Wells Fargo, among others. It has also established partnerships with IBM, Microsoft, Red Hat and Oracle. Prior to starting VaraLogix, the VaraLogix' management team -- including CEO Tim Wall and chief technology officer Robin Fuller -- started build management software provider Build Forge, which IBM purchased in 2006.

Hunt declined to comment on whether BMC would retain VaraLogix staff and management teams. "We're not going into that level of detail. We're focusing on the technology stack," Hunt said.